Hong Kong fire death toll hits 128 - but dozens more people are still missing

"Authorities have arrested 11 people in connection with the city's worst blaze in nearly 80 years as they investigate possible corruption and the use of unsafe materials during renovations at the Wang Fuk Court complex. Rescue operations at the site in the district of Tai Po, near the border with mainland China, concluded on Friday, though police say they may find more bodies in coming weeks."

"The fire started on Wednesday afternoon and rapidly engulfed seven of the eight 32-storey blocks at the complex that were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh and layered with foam insulation for the renovations. Mainland China yesterday ordered a nationwide investigation of fire risks at high-rise buildings, especially residential blocks undergoing renovation. Hong Kong's anti-corruption body, the ICAC, said it had arrested three more people."

Eleven people have been arrested in a corruption probe linked to a major high-rise fire at Wang Fuk Court, where unsafe renovation materials are suspected. Rescue operations in Tai Po concluded, though police said more bodies might be found in coming weeks. The number of people unaccounted for was revised down to 150 after some relatives reconnected with missing loved ones. Hundreds of officers searched for remains, found no further bodies, and rescued three cats and a turtle. Seven of eight 32-storey blocks were rapidly engulfed while wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, green mesh and foam insulation. Fire alarms at the estate had not been working properly. Mainland China ordered a nationwide investigation of fire risks at renovated high-rises, and the ICAC arrested additional contractor officials aged 52–68. Public officials observed a silence and condolence books were set up at 18 points.

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